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We assess monkeypox vaccination acceptance among male adults in the European Region. We conducted an online survey through two dating apps targeting men who have sex with men, from 30 July to 12 August 2022. We developed Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression models to investigate monkeypox vaccination acceptance. Overall crude vaccination acceptance was 82% and higher in north-western compared to south-eastern European regions. Acceptance strongly rose with perception of increased disease severity and transmission risk, and in individuals linked to healthcare.

Ileo-colonoscopy (IC) can be technically challenging because of unpredictable colonoscope loop formation. Aims of this study were to assess the risk of loop formation and to attempt to understand which factors were likely to predispose to which subtype of loop.Prospective study conducted on children referred for an IC at Sheffield Children's Hospital. Presence and type of loop was objectively assessed using the magnetic endoscope imaging tool.Three hundred procedures were prospectively evaluated. Only 9% of paediatric ICs were loop-free. Alpha loops were the most common loop in children older than 5, whereas reverse alpha loops and a wider variety of complex and repetitive loops were observed in younger patients. Once a specific type of loop has formed, the risk of re-looping in a different way or in a different position of the colon is reduced. Left lateral starting position was found to increase the risk of reverse alpha loops and re-looping. Challenging loops, such as reverse alpha, were more frequent in males. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with an increased risk of alpha and deep transverse loops formation, while lower BMI with a higher incidence of reverse alpha and N loop. Loop formation did not prevent 100% ileal intubation.This study represents the first attempt to describe loop formation according to patient characteristics in a large paediatric series. Further studies are needed in order to establish if these findings could be helpful in simplifying the execution of IC procedures in children and facilitate the learning curve during endoscopy training programs.

IntroductionIn the global monkeypox outbreak primary preventive vaccination is offered to people at higher risk for infection. We study vaccine acceptance and its determinants, to target and tailor public health (communication-)strategies in the context of limited vaccine supply in the Netherlands. Methods. Online survey in a convenience sample of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, including transgender persons (22/07-05/09/2022, the Netherlands). We assessed determinants (sociodemographic, social environment, medical, and behavioral factors, and beliefs) for being (un)willing to accept vaccination. We used multivariable multinominal regression and logistic regression analyses, calculating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95 percent confidence-intervals. An open question asked for campaigning and procedural recommendations.ResultsOf respondents, 81.5% (n=1,512/1,856) were willing to accept vaccination; this was 85.2% (799/938) in vaccination-eligible people (HIV-PrEP use, living with HIV, STI, or >3 partners) and 77.7% (713/918) in those non-eligible. Determinants for non-acceptance included: urbanization (rural: aOR:2.2;1.2-3.7; low-urban: aOR:2.4;1.4-3.9; versus high-urban), not knowing monkeypox-vaccinated persons (aOR:2.4;1.6-3.4), and lack of connection to gay/queer-community (aOR:2.0;1.5-2.7). Beliefs associated with acceptance were perception of higher risk/severity of monkeypox, higher protection motivation, positive outcome expectations post vaccination (effectiveness and side-effects), and perceived positive social norms regarding vaccination of their social network.Respondents recommended more accessible communication, delivered regularly, stigma-free, sex positive and with facts on monkeypox, vaccination benefits and procedures, and explain (other) preventive options. For vaccination, it was recommended to add ‘self-registration’, provision also at non-clinic settings, discrete/anonymous options, and more inclusive strategies to reach people (e.g., those not in existing patient-registries) at high risk for monkeypox.ConclusionIn the public health response to the monkeypox outbreak, key is a broad and equitable access to information, and low-threshold vaccination options for those at highest risk.Communication should be transparent and tailored to beliefs, such as perceived risks of monkeypox, benefits of vaccination, and social norms, and should include other preventive options. Public health efforts may be strengthened in less urbanized areas and reach out to those who lack relevant social network influences.

Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a major Public Health issue. Hospital-based prevalence studies are a common tool of HAI surveillance, but data quality problems and non-representativeness can undermine their reliability. Methods This study proposes three algorithms that, given a convenience sample and variables relevant for the outcome of the study, select a subsample with specific distributional characteristics, boosting either representativeness (Probability and Distance procedures) or risk factors’ balance (Uniformity procedure). A “Quality Score” (QS) was also developed to grade sampled units according to data completeness and reliability. The methodologies were evaluated through bootstrapping on a convenience sample of 135 hospitals collected during the 2016 Italian Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) on HAIs. Results The QS highlighted wide variations in data quality among hospitals (median QS 52.9 points, range 7.98–628, lower meaning better quality), with most problems ascribable to ward and hospital-related data reporting. Both Distance and Probability procedures produced subsamples with lower distributional bias (Log-likelihood score increased from 7.3 to 29 points). The Uniformity procedure increased the homogeneity of the sample characteristics (e.g., − 58.4% in geographical variability). The procedures selected hospitals with higher data quality, especially the Probability procedure (lower QS in 100% of bootstrap simulations). The Distance procedure produced lower HAI prevalence estimates (6.98% compared to 7.44% in the convenience sample), more in line with the European median. Conclusions The QS and the subsampling procedures proposed in this study could represent effective tools to improve the quality of prevalence studies, decreasing the biases that can arise due to non-probabilistic sample collection.

Background: Extensor tendon adhesions occurring after proximal phalangeal (P1) fractures are not uncommon. A previous report described the use of an adipofascial flap (AFF) to prevent adhesions after dorsal plating of the P1. The purpose of the study is to examine the results of open reduction and internal fixation with the use of an AFF (F group) and without (N group, that is, no flap used) in a larger group of patients. Methods: A retrospective study involving a period of 11 years was conducted involving results of 21 unstable fractures of the P1 of the fingers in 18 patients. In all, 12 fingers were treated without any flap (N group) and 9 fingers were treated with the AFF (F group). For each patient, the total active motion (TAM) ratio, and the grip strength (Jamar) ratio were assessed, and adverse effects and the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) score were recorded. For statistical analysis, sample characteristics were described using mean ± standard deviation and median, and a Bayesian approach was used for inferential analysis. Results: In the F group, the TAM ratio (84% ± 13% vs 65% ± 17%) was higher with a lower rate of adverse effects (OR: 0.067, 95% CI, 0.0035-0.58,) and a lower VAS score with evidence of the positive effect of the AFF. The Jamar ratio was similar in the 2 groups (F group 80% ± 25% vs N group 79% ± 19%) with no associated effect of the AFF on grip strength. Conclusions: The AFF is a reliable tool to reduce adhesions between plates and the extensor apparatus of the P1 and may be useful to improve finger function after plating of P1 fractures. Type of study/LOE: Therapeutic, Retrospective, Level IV

Abdominal pain represents a frequent symptom for referral to emergency departments and/or internal medicine outpatient setting. Similarly, fever, fatigue and weight loss are non-specific manifestations of disease. The present case describes the diagnostic process in a patient with abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a mass in the mesogastrium. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans oriented toward calcific lymphadenopathies with increased metabolism in the positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. Laboratory examinations were inconclusive, although serology for Brucella and the Quantiferon test were positive. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent surgical excision of the abdominal mass. Histological examination excluded malignancies and oriented toward brucellosis in a patient with latent tuberculosis. The patient was treated with rifampin 600 mg qd and doxycycline 100 mg bid for 6 weeks with resolution of the symptoms. In addition, rifampin was continued for a total of 6 months in order to treat latent tuberculosis. This case underlines the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic approach to abdominal lymphadenopathies.

Objectives and design:Data from the Italian national point-prevalence survey (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) were used to evaluate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Italy and to identify targets for future interventions.Methods:The second Italian PPS was conducted in 2016 as part of the European PPS initiated by the ECDC. We compared these results with those of the first national survey, conducted in 2011.Results:An overall AMU prevalence of 44.5% (95% CI, 43.7–45.3) was estimated in 2016. No significant change in AMU prevalence was detected when comparing data with the first survey. In both surveys, the most prevalent indication for AMU was the treatment of infections. Considering all indications, penicillins plus β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial group in 2016; they were used significantly more than in 2011, and piperacillin plus BLI was the most frequently used agent. Broad-spectrum agents accounted for >60% of all antimicrobials for systemic use. No significant increase in the use of carbapenems occurred in 2016. Stable or decreasing carbapenem-resistance levels were identified in this study, although these levels remain alarmingly high for both Klebsiella pneumoniae (50%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (>75%).Conclusions:These results can be used to identify priorities and targets for interventions that promote more prudent use of antimicrobials, improve healthcare quality and patient safety, and combat the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

Objectives To critically appraise ileocolonoscopy (IC) practice in a large tertiary center, where IC is exclusively performed by experienced pediatric colonoscopists, particularly focusing on indications for the procedure; bowel preparation efficacy; IC completion rates and timings; diagnostic yield; and complications. Patients and methods We prospectively evaluated all patients referred to our clinic between July 2015 and June 2016. Data on age, height and weight, sex, surgical history, indications for colonoscopy, bowel preparation given, and bowel cleansing efficacy were collected. The following were calculated: percentage of terminal ileal (TI) intubation; time to terminal ileum; total duration of each procedure. In addition, we evaluated the number and the type of complications encountered and the number of patients readmitted within 30 days from the elective procedure. Endoscopic diagnostic yield, stratified for indication, was calculated. Results A total of 1392 patients were referred; 181 required an endoscopic evaluation of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Outpatient Department conversion rate: 13%). Main indications for IC were: recurrent abdominal pain 38.1%; unexplained chronic diarrhea 16%; suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 24.9%; isolated rectal bleeding 13.2%; occult GI bleeding 1.6%; unexplained faltering growth 1.6%; IBD restaging 2.6%; and miscellaneous 1.6%. Terminal ileum was reached in all the patients (TI intubation rate = 100%). Median time to TI was 9.8 minutes (1-50 minutes). Time to TI was lower in younger patients compared to older ones (P = 0.005). Bowel cleansing was judged as grade 1 in 49.2%; grade 2 in 33.7%; grade 3 in 13.3%; and grade 4 in 3.9%. A significant statistical correlation was recorded between bowel cleansing and time to TI. The positive diagnostic yield was: 11.6% in patients with abdominal pain; 37.9% in patients with chronic diarrhea; 51.1% in patients with suspected IBD; 29.2% in patients with isolated rectal bleeding; 33.3% in patients with occult GI bleeding; 0% in patients with faltering growth; and 33% in the miscellaneous group. Conclusions In conclusion, appropriately targeted IC in the management of children with GI symptoms is a safe, fast, and useful investigation. TI intubation rates of 100% are achievable and desirable and can be conducted quickly. Poor bowel preparation impacts negatively on this and IC duration may be faster in younger children. High diagnostic yields have been recorded in patients with a clinical suspicion of IBD. Diagnostic yield in isolated recurrent abdominal pain is low. Training to excellence in pediatric IC should be a persistent goal.

Summary Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an increasing public health threat. Measuring disease burden in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) allows the combination of morbidity and mortality into one figure, as it represents the summation of years lived with disability and years of life lost. Aim To evaluate the incidence, attributable deaths and burden of the most significant HAIs in Italy. Methods Prevalence data from the study sample of the 2016 national Point Prevalence Survey of HAIs in acute-care settings were used to estimate the incidence of five HAIs. The methodology from the Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe (BCoDE)-project was employed for DALY calculations, adapting the disease models to the Italian population. Findings We estimated a total of 641,065 (95% uncertainty interval, UI 585,543.00–699,207.90) new yearly cases of HAIs and 29,375 (95% UI 23,705.97–35,905.80) deaths in Italy in 2016. The total annual DALYs were estimated to be 424,657.45 (95% UI 346,240.35–513,357.28), corresponding to 702.53 DALYs (95% UI 575.22–844.66) per 100,000 general population. Bloodstream infections accounted for the majority of total DALYs (59%), healthcare-associated pneumonia for 29%, surgical site infections for 9%, CDI for 2% and urinary tract infections accounted for less than 1% of total DALYs. Conclusion Results of this study suggest HAIs have a substantial burden in Italy. Reducing the burden of HAIs through infection prevention and control efforts is an achievable goal. This study provides data that could be used to guide policy-makers in the implementation of these measures.

Background Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) significantly increase adverse clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. In 2016 Italy participated in the second European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) of HAIs and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals. The aim of this study was to estimate the burden of the 5 most common HAIs in Italy, by evaluating incidence, attributable deaths, Years of Life Lost (YLL), Years Lived with Disability (YLD) and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs). Methods National PPS data were used to establish sex- and age-specific incidence of Healthcare-associated Pneumonia (HAP), HA Urinary tract infections (HA UTI), HA Bloodstream Infections (HA BSI) excluding neonatal BSI, Surgical Site Infections (SSI), HA Clostridium Difficile infections (HA CDI). Patients' life expectancy was adjusted according to the severity of underlying conditions using the McCabe score. Following the methodology from the Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe (BCoDE)-project, an adapted version of the disease models of the BCoDE toolkit was used. Results An overall yearly incidence of 643434 new cases of HAI in Italy was estimated. The aggregate burden of the 5 HAIs was 426411.98 DALYs (86731.03 YLD + 339680.96 YLL), corresponding to 702.53 DALYs per 100000 total population. HA BSI and HAP had the highest burden with respectively 253868.22? and 126038.26 DALYs. The population strata with the highest burden were the ones with McCabe Score 1 for every considered HAI. The age groups with the highest burden were 70-74 for male and 45-49 for female patients. In total, 56% of DALYs were attributable to men and 44% to women. Conclusions This nation-wide study found a significant burden of disease due to HAIs in Italy. Results of this study could be used to guide policy-makers in the implementation of measures aiming to reduce the impact of HAIs. Key messages This study estimated the burden of 5 HAIs in Italy was 426411.98 DALYs (86731.03 YLD + 339680.96 YLL according to 2016 PPS data. Considering the significant burden of HAIs found in this study, infection prevention and control measures should be a Public Health priority in Italy.

Background Antibiotics (AB) are administered for medical prophylaxis (MP) to prevent infectious complications. The second national point prevalence survey (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections and AB use was conducted in Italy in 2016-2017. The survey found MP accounted for nearly 25% of all registered ABs, more than twice the EU/EEA proportion. The aim of this study was to evaluate how many ABs were administered for MP and how frequently general indications were followed. Methods Data from the PPS were used to evaluate the prevalence of indications for MP over the total number of ABs, the proportion - among these indications - of those justified by a motivation in the patients' charts, and the prevalence of ABs considered appropriate for MP. The evaluation was made in 12 hospitals out of 14 participating in the PPS in Piedmont, chosen on the basis of patient traceability. According to national guidelines, the indications for MP that were considered appropriate in this study were: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for P. carinii pneumonia, Rifaximin for diverticulitis, Penicillin for Streptococcal infections and for splenectomized patients, and Rifampin for TB infections. Results 1844 AB prescriptions were registered among 1334 traceable inpatients in Piedmont. The prevalence of indications for MP was 16.2% and 253 ABs (84.6%) were prescribed with a motivation. Only 3% of ABs registered as MP were appropriate for this indication: Bactrim 2%, Rifaximin 0.3%, Penicillin 0.2% and Rifampin 0.4%. Conclusions This study found an extremely high rate of inappropriate ABs for MP, that will be further investigated through qualitative analysis of medical records to evaluate whether a misunderstanding of the PPS protocol occurred and empirical therapy was confused with MP. Nevertheless, this study highlighted the need for interventions to improve prescribing appropriateness for MP. Key messages This study found that only 2.98% of ABs registered as MP among traceable patients in Piedmont were appropriate for this indication. 15.38% of prescriptions for MP were not justified by a motivation. Interventions to improve prescribing appropriateness for MP could lead to a considerable reduction in inappropriate use of ABs, which is crucial in a country facing hyperendemic levels of AMR.

Introduction. Seasonal influenza epidemics represent a cost that affects companies in terms of sick leave and lost productivity, therefore vaccination can improve occupational health. The vaccination of Healthcare Workers (HCW) has a dual function because in addition to protecting the workers, it also protects the most fragile patients. The students of medical and nursing degree courses, as well as other health professions, attend the workplace daily and are similar to workers in Legislative Decree 81/08. The purpose of this research is to assess the prevalence of students who are in favor of the introduction of a mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers, and to investigate what factors predispose them to be favorable. Methods. We performed a multi-center cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire in a sample of students from different university courses from October 10th, 2017 to September 30th, 2018. For qualitative variables, absolute and relative frequencies, and for categorical variables Pearson's Chi-square test (χ2) were calculated. A multivariable logistic regression model was used. Results. A total of 3131 questionnaires were completed by 2132 women and 999 men. The prevalence of students who are favorable to the introduction of a mandatory flu vaccination is 87.3% and that this data is linked to the female gender (aOR 1.52 CI 95% 1.12-2.06), being a medical student compared to nursing (aOR 2.14 CI 95% 1.45-3.17), coming from central Italy (aOR 3.08 CI 95% 2.11-4.51) and northern Italy (aOR 3.09 CI 95% 2.12-4.49) compared to Southern Italy and the Islands, wanting to get vaccinated for the next season (aOR 6.37 CI 95% 3.73-10.88), declaring to have a good/excellent level of knowledge on vaccine-preventable diseases (aOR 1.44 CI 95% 1.04-1.99), planning a recommendation based on ministerial indications (aOR 2.12 CI 95% 1.28-2.30) and having received requests for clarification on vaccinations (aOR 2.02 CI 95% 1.44-2.85). Discussion. The sample of university students showed to be largely in agreement with the introduction of mandatory vaccination for HCW, which is important for the prevention of influenza virus in the workplace. To increase adherence of healthcare workers to vaccination campaigns against seasonal influenza in the workplace, it is necessary that operative strategies are implemented with educational messages.Introduzione. le epidemie influenzali stagionali rappresentano un costo per le aziende in termini di congedi per malattia e perdita di produttività e la vaccinazione può migliorare nei luoghi di lavoro. La vaccinazione dei lavoratori nel settore sanitario ha una doppia funzione perché oltre a proteggere il lavoratore protegge anche i pazienti più fragili. Gli studenti dei corsi di laurea in medicina e infermieristica e altre professioni sanitarie frequentano i luoghi di lavoro e assimilati a lavoratori nel Decreto legislativo 81/08. Lo scopo di questa ricerca è valutare la prevalenza di studenti che sono favorevoli all’introduzione di un obbligo vaccinale per i professionisti sanitari e quali fattori li predispongono a essere favorevoli. Metodi. Abbiamo eseguito uno studio cross-sectional multicentrico utilizzando un questionario validato in un campione di studenti di corsi diversi nel periodo dal 10 ottobre 2017 e al 30 settembre 2018. Per le variabili qualitative, le frequenze assolute e relative e per le variabili categoriali è stato calcolato il test chi quadrato di Pearson (χ2). È stato utilizzato un modello di regressione logistica multivariabile. Risultati. 3131 questionari sono stati completati da 2132 donne e 999 uomini, la prevalenza degli studenti favorevoli all’introduzione di una vaccinazione antinfluenzale obbligatoria per i lavoratori è dell’87,3%. Questa predisposizione è legata al genere femminile (aOR 1,52 IC 95% 1,12-2,06), all’essere studente di medicina rispetto allo studente di scienze infermieristiche (aOR 2,14 IC 95% 1,45-3,17), all’essere dell’Italia Centrale (AOR 3.08 CI 95% 2.11-4.51) e Nord Italia (aOR 3.09 CI 95% 2.12-4.49) rispetto al Sud e alle Isole, al dichiarare di vaccinarsi per la prossima stagione (aOR 6.37 CI 95% 3.73-10.88),di avere un buon/eccellente livello di conoscenza delle malattie prevenibili con vaccino (aOR 1.44 CI 95% 1.04-1.99), di dare raccomandazione basate su indicazioni ministeriali (aOR 2.12 CI 95% 1.28-2.30), di aver ricevuto richieste di chiarimento sulle vaccinazioni (aOR 2.02 CI 95% 1.44-2.85). Discussione. Il campione di studenti universitari ha mostrato di essere in gran parte d’accordo con l’introduzione dell’obbligo di vaccinazione per i lavoratori nel settore sanitario, questo fatto è di buon auspicio per la prevenzione del virus dell’influenza sul posto di lavoro. Per aumentare l’aderenza alle campagne di vaccinazione contro l’influenza sul posto di lavoro degli operatori sanitari è necessario che le strategie operative siano implementate con messaggi educativi.

Background Social media monitoring during TV broadcasts dedicated to vaccines can provide information on vaccine confidence. We analyzed the sentiment of tweets published in reaction to two TV broadcasts in Italy dedicated to vaccines, one based on scientific evidence [Presadiretta (PD)] and one including anti-vaccine personalities [Virus (VS)]. Methods Tweets about vaccines published in an 8-day period centred on each of the two TV broadcasts were classified by sentiment. Differences in tweets’ and users’ characteristics between the two broadcasts were tested through Poisson, quasi-Poisson or logistic univariate regression. We investigated the association between users’ characteristics and sentiment through univariate quasi-binomial logistic regression. Results We downloaded 12 180 tweets pertinent to vaccines, published by 5447 users; 276 users tweeted during both broadcasts. Sentiment was positive in 50.4% of tweets, negative in 37.7% and neutral in 10.1% (remaining tweets were unclear or questions). The positive/negative ratio was higher for VS compared to PD (6.96 vs. 4.24, P Conclusions Twitter users were highly reactive to TV broadcasts dedicated to vaccines. Sentiment was mainly positive, especially among very active users. Displaying anti-vaccine positions on TV elicited a positive sentiment on Twitter. Listening to social media during TV shows dedicated to vaccines can provide a diverse set of data that can be exploited by public health institutions to inform tailored vaccine communication initiatives.

Background Healthcare providers (HP) need to involve the population to spread correct and useful health information and to gather feedback on the perceived quality of the service. Web 2.0, based on the use of Social Networks (SN), allows direct communication between the HP and the population. We built an automatic platform which monitors Web 2.0 usage by Italian public and private HP. Methods For each HP the platform finds the relative website using Google searches and extracts the links to SN. For Facebook and Twitter, it retrieves one year of content and identifies common topics via natural language processing. Finally, it compares the Web 2.0 usage patterns and topics with the type of HP and geographical position. Results In 2017, on 540 HP screened 97.8% had a website (309 unique sites, many HP have a common site). 37.5% of the websites had links to SN in the homepage: Youtube (YT) was the most common (74.1%), then Facebook (FB, 72.4%) and Twitter (TW, 51.7%). The presence of SN was lower in the south (OR: 0.63; p < 0.001) while is higher for research centers (OR: 5.12; p < 0.001) and private hospitals (OR: 2.12; p = 0.004). Local Health Trusts were the most active on FB (1.86 more posts, p = 0.004) but research centers had more fans RR: 5.32; p = 0.003) and likes per post (RR: 4.95; p < 0.001). On TW private hospitals had the most followers (RR: 3.35; p = 0.002) and likes per tweet (RR: 3.95; p < 0.001). The most posted topics were on healthy behaviors and organizational changes, while a lower number of posts were on healthy food and vaccines. Posts on specific pathologies information and healthy behaviors received more likes. Conclusions We propose an automatic platform that monitors the internet presence of HP in Italy, helping to define the best strategies for effective health communication. We found that in the south and in the public sector the importance of this tool is less perceived, with a lower SN presence and a gap between posted topics and those appreciated by the public. Key messages We propose an automatic platform that reports and monitors the web 2.0 presence and usage by HP in Italy, helping to define the best strategies to spread effective health communication. In Italy the presence of SN among HP is lower in the south and in the public, while is higher for research centers. HP have to engage the population maximizing the potentiality of web 2.0.

Background According to ECDC, Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are the second most frequent type of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) in Europe and in USA, and 9.5% of colon surgical procedures develop SSI. SSIs are associated with prolonged hospital stay, higher costs burden and higher attributable morbidity and mortality. Interventional programs can reduce the risk of SSI. Care bundles are a complex of EBM-based interventions on a specific population and setting, in order to improve clinical outcomes. A bundle is successful only if all its items are properly applied, through the ‘all-or-none’ method. Application of a bundle does not exclude other good clinical practices. Methods Data from 37 hospitals participating in the Regional SSI surveillance of Piedmont (Italy) were collected from 2012 to 2017. In hospitals applying the bundle, 4 bundle items had to be used in all the procedures: Temperature control, preoperative shower, trichotomy, antimicrobial prophylaxis. 6909 patients undergoing colon surgery were followed for 30 post-operative days to detect SSI events (According to ECDC 2016 Protocol). For some procedures, compliance to Bundle item application was ≤ 75%. Results 6909 procedures were assessed: 3631 with no bundle application and 3278 with bundle application; in particular 974 were compliant to all bundle items (100%), while 2304 were compliant to 3 items or less (≤ 75%). We report a SSI risk of 11.20% for surgical procedures performed without bundle application; this risk decreases to 5.63% (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0,36-0,67; p < 0.001) when compliance to bundle is 100%. When compliance to bundle is ≤ 75% instead of 100%, SSI risk raises to 8.47% (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.07-2.04; p = 0.002). Conclusions Care bundle, if properly applied, is associated to statistically significant reduction of SSI rate (51%) for colon surgical procedures. Bundle programs should be encouraged and improved in hospitals to reduce healthcare costs and burden of HAIs. Key messages The use of the 4-item Surgical Care Bundle is associated to statistically significant reduction (51%) of SSI rate for colon surgical procedures. Surgical Care Bundle programs should be recommended and improved in every hospital to reduce healthcare costs and burden of HAIs.

Background: public health requires strong information skills and competencies, as it is information-intensive and information-driven. Public health informatics has been defined as the “systematic application of information, computer science, and technology to public health practice, research, and learning”. New information and communication technologies offer unprecedented opportunities, such as linking smart-phones and mobiles devices to web based tools for data collection, enabling and enhancing participatory epidemiology. However, being an emerging discipline, despite its potential and importance, public health informatics is often neglected and overlooked, being rarely offered as course. The present study was designed as a pilot study, with the aim of designing and validating a questionnaire on the knowledge of public health informatics among medical residents in public health in Italy. Methods and Results: thirty-two Italian residents in public health volunteered to take part into the study. Mean age of the sample was 31.44±2.23 years, most responders were males (68.8%), from northern Italy (53.1%), at the third year of residency (34.4%) and currently doing practical training at the clinical management staff/hospital directorate (34.4%). Other places of training were the Prevention Department (21.9%), the Institute of Hygiene (18.8%), the local health units and the territory (12.5%), the occupational health service (6.3%) and the Regional Health Agency (3.1%). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient yielded a value of 0.909, demonstrating excellent psychometric properties of the instrument. Conclusion: in conclusion, the developed questionnaire seems to be an appropriate and useful tool to detect gaps concerning knowledge, education and practices of public health informatics among residents in public health.

In Italy, no specific recommendation toward maternal pertussis immunization during pregnancy has been issued. However, vaccination during pregnancy will be likely integrated in the Italian immunization program in the future. In order to identify barriers to achieving a sufficient vaccination coverage during pregnancy, we investigated knowledge, attitude and practice toward pertussis vaccination during pregnancy through a web-based survey. A total of 343 Italian pregnant women (N = 164) and women in the postpartum period (N = 183) completed the online questionnaire. More than a half of the study population was uncertain regarding the benefits of the vaccination during pregnancy. Only 1.7% of women in the postpartum had received the vaccination during pregnancy, and 21% of pregnant women declared the intention to be vaccinated in pregnancy. Only 34% would accept the vaccination in the current or in a future pregnancy, if recommended by a physician, and a half would remain uncertain. Perceiving the vaccine as harmful for the fetus' development is associated to a decreased willingness to be vaccinated if recommended by a HCP, both in pregnant women (OR 0.25 p = 0.010 95% CI 0.09-0.72) and in women in the postpartum period (OR 0.32 p = 0.006 95% CI 0.15-0.72). Our study suggests that the vaccination recommendation by physicians might not be sufficient to adequately raise vaccination coverage against pertussis among Italian pregnant women. A combination of educational interventions and tailored communi-cation campaigns could be implemented to promote maternal immunization.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and relapse of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more (CIN2+) after Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).One hundred four patients who underwent LEEP for CIN2+ were followed up every six months for three years. Fifty-three were negative for BV and fifty-one were positive. Each clinical control included Pap test, colposcopy, Amsel criteria test, HPV-DNA, and HPV-mRNA test.Patients' age, presence of BV, positivity to HPV-DNA and HPV-mRNA tests were analyzed. The average age of patients was 42.5 ± 8.92 years (median: 42.5; range from 27 to 58 years). The minimum follow-up was 6 months and maximum 36 months (average: 22.8 ± 4.53; median: 24). The 10% of the patients with HPV-mRNA test negative had relapsed, compared to 45% of patients with HPV-mRNA test positive. Among the 53 patients without BV the 20% had relapsed compared with 23% of 51 patients with diagnosis of BV.There is no evidence for higher percentage of relapse in patients with BV, submitted to excisional procedure for CIN2+ associated to HPV-m-RNA test positivity. There is only a correlation among BV and relapse of CIN2+ lesions after LEEP.

Endometriosis is a puzzling disorder with obscure pathogenesis. Several studies suggest that peritoneal fluid is a key inflammatory environment in the development and progression of the disease. This study analyzed the levels of two inflammatory factors - Galectin-3 and Stimulation Expressed Gene 2 - in the peritoneal fluid of 15 women affected by endometriosis and 8 controls. The peritoneal fluid was collected during laparoscopic surgery avoiding any form of contamination and it was properly processed and stored. Gal-3 and ST2 peritoneal concentrations were analyzed using enzyme immunoassay kit. Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in endometriosis group than in controls (64.7 ± 52.34 versus 21.05 ± 20.83 ng/ml, p = 0.044), whereas ST2 concentrations did not differ between the two groups. A significant positive correlation was found between Gal-3 and ST2 levels. Gal-3 levels positively correlated with the stage of endometriosis, the duration of symptoms, Marinoff scale and VAS score, while ST2 levels were positively associated with VAS score. Our results suggest that Gal-3 and ST2 could be implicated in the inflammatory process of the disease. Further studies are needed to identify markers of early diagnosis and to open new therapeutic avenues in endometriosis.

Background Telemedicine has been recognized as a way to improve accessibility, quality, and efficiency of care. In view of the introduction of new telemedicine services, we conducted a survey through a self-administered questionnaire among families of children attending the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, a tertiary care children’s hospital located in Rome, Italy. Methods We investigated sociodemographic data, clinical information, technological profile, attitude towards telemedicine, perceived advantages of telemedicine, fears regarding telemedicine, willingness to use a smartphone app providing telemedicine services and willingness to use a televisit service. Through logistic regression, we explored the effect of sociodemographic and clinical variables and technological profile on willingness of using a telemedicine app and a televisit service. Results We enrolled a total of 751 families. Most patients had a high technological profile, 81% had at least one account on a social network. Whatsapp was the most popular messaging service (76%). Seventy-two percent of patients would use an app for telemedicine services and 65% would perform a televisit. Owning a tablet was associated with both outcome variables - respectively: OR 2.216, 95% CI 1.358–3.616 (app) and OR 2.117, 95% CI 1.415–3.168 (televisit). Kind of hospitalization, diagnosis of a chronic disease, disease severity and distance from the health care center were not associated with the outcome variables. Conclusion Families of pediatric patients with different clinical problems are keen to embark in telemedicine programs, independently from severity of disease or chronicity, and of distance from the hospital. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-016-0756-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with those of naturally conceived ones and to investigate the influence of the ART procedure type on these parameters.This observational study included 450 ART and 647 spontaneous twin pregnancies delivered over 15 years at a single university-based hospital of Rome, Italy. Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the effect of ART and the type of assisted conception (IVF/ICSI, ovulation induction ± intrauterine insemination, egg/embryo donation) on maternal and perinatal outcomes.The mean gestational age was significantly lower in pregnancies conceived via ART. The occurrence rates of gestational diabetes, antenatal admission, prophylactic administration of corticosteroid, very preterm delivery and neonatal intensive care unit admission were higher in the ART group. Twin pregnancies achieved via egg/embryo donation had a lower risk of maternal thrombocytopenia and cervical incompetence and were at greater risk of receiving corticosteroid prophylaxis and patent ductus arteriosus than pregnancies obtained by IVF/ICSI. Conception by ovulation induction was associated with reduced risk of hyperemesis gravidarum and longer neonatal hospitalization compared to pregnancies obtained by IVF/ICSI.Assisted conception was associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes and lower gestational age, but after adjustment for gestational age neonatal immediate outcomes were similar to those observed in the spontaneous group. There were no many important differences in the outcomes of twin pregnancies obtained by a different type of conception.

Background RASopathies are developmental disease caused by mutations in genes encoding for signal transducers of the RAS-MAPK cascade. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive description of morbidity and mortality in patients with molecularly confirmed RASopathy. Methods A multicentric, observational, retrospective study was conducted in seven European cardiac centres participating to the CArdiac Rasopathy NETwork (CARNET). Clinical records of 371 patients with confirmed molecular diagnosis of RASopathy were reviewed. Mortality was described as crude mortality, cumulative survival and restricted estimated mean survival. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of mutated genes on number of interventions and overall prognosis. Results Cardiac defects occurred in 80.3% of cases, almost half of them underwent at least one intervention. Overall, crude mortality was 0.29/100 patients-year. Cumulative survival was 98.8%, 98.2%, 97.7%, 94.3%, at 1, 5, 10, and 20 years, respectively. Restricted estimated mean survival at 20 years follow-up was 19.6 years. Ten patients died (2.7% of the entire cohort; 3.4% of patients with cardiac defect). Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and age < 2 years or young adults, as well as subjects with biventricular obstruction and PTPN11 mutations had a higher risk of cardiac death. Conclusions The risk of intervention was higher in individuals with Noonan syndrome and pulmonary stenosis carrying PTPN11 mutations. Overall, mortality was relatively low, even though the specific association between HCM, biventricular outflow tract obstructions and PTPN11 mutations appeared to be associated with early mortality, including immediate post-operative events and sudden death.

In order to successfully control and eliminate vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, an appropriate vaccine coverage has to be achieved and maintained. This task requires a high level of effort, as it may be compromised by a number of barriers. Public health agencies have issued specific recommendations to address these barriers and therefore improve immunization programmes. In the present review, we characterize issues and challenges of immunization programmes for which digital tools are a potential solution. In particular, we explore previously published research on the use of digital tools in the following vaccine-related areas: immunization registries, dose tracking, and decision support systems; vaccine preventable diseases surveillance; surveillance of adverse events following immunizations; vaccine confidence monitoring; delivery of information on vaccines to the public. Subsequently, we analyze the limits of the use of digital tools in such contexts and envision future possibilities and challenges.

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in Senegal. The early symptoms are hematuria and dysuria. Children's comprehension of the disease is fundamental to preventing the infection.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in 2 rural villages in Northern Senegal and to evaluate their impact on the disease.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children's knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire.FindingsQuestionnaire responses from 575 schoolchildren were analyzed. Correct answers about risky behavior for schistosomiasis were associated with early symptoms ('P' = 0.010). Wearing shoes and washing hands with soap were associated with not having hematuria and dysuria ('P' = 0.007 and 0.049, respectively). Playing in rivers was associated with the aforementioned symptoms (P < 0.001). Children who had good knowledge of schistosomiasis reportedly did not have symptoms ('P' = 0.002). A logistic regression model showed that female sex (odds ratio = 0.35; 'P' = 0.01) and attending a primary school (odds ratio = 0.13; 'P' < 0.001) were significant predictors of a lower risk of the early symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis.ConclusionsThis study revealed that the level of knowledge among children in North Senegal about the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of schistosomiasis warrants implementing educational intervention.

Background Paternal preconception risk factors such as smoking, exposure to environmental substances, medication use, overweight and advanced age correlate with the occurrence of malformations and birth defects in the offspring. Nonetheless, the prevalence of risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in the male population has been scarcely investigated and no report on preconception interventions targeting prospective fathers is available. We conducted a web-based survey to measure the prevalence of paternal preconception risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in an Italian population of Internet users. Methods Prospective or expectant fathers were enrolled during a four-week period through two of the main Italian web-sites dedicated to preconception, pregnancy, childhood and family care. Participants filled in a web questionnaire regarding preconception risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the predictors of paternal preconception risk factors. Results We enrolled 131 prospective and 205 expectant fathers. More than half of the total participants used medications during the preconception period, 35 % were smokers and 8 % were obese. Exposure to environmental substances was declared by almost 20 % of the participants, with the group including pesticides/herbicides/professional paints being the most prevalent. More than a half of the study sample included men aged over 35 years. According to the multivariate analysis, smoking and exposure to environmental toxics were less frequent among individuals with a university degree (respectively: OR = 0.52; 95 % CI 0.32–0.84; OR = 0.52; 95 % CI 0.29–0.93). Paternal obesity and medication use in the preconception period were not associated with any of the independent variables. Conclusions The prevalence of preconception risk factors among male population should not be neglected when planning preconception interventions, confirming that preconception health must be focused on the couple, rather than on women only. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0156-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pollen forecasts are in use everywhere to inform therapeutic decisions for patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). We exploited data derived from Twitter in order to identify tweets reporting a combination of symptoms consistent with a case definition of ARC and those reporting the name of an antihistamine drug. In order to increase the sensitivity of the system, we applied an algorithm aimed at automatically identifying jargon expressions related to medical terms. We compared weekly Twitter trends with National Allergy Bureau weekly pollen counts derived from US stations, and found a high correlation of the sum of the total pollen counts from each stations with tweets reporting ARC symptoms (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.95) and with tweets reporting antihistamine drug names (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.93). Longitude and latitude of the pollen stations affected the strength of the correlation. Twitter and other social networks may play a role in allergic disease surveillance and in signaling drug consumptions trends.

This study aimed at investigating the effect of cigarette smoking on semen parameters in infertile men and on antral follicle count (AFC) and reproductive hormone levels in infertile women. In 648 men (200 smokers and 448 non-smokers) sperm concentration, motility and morphology were compared according to smoking status. In the female population, AFC and basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol were measured in 296 women (102 smokers and 194 non-smokers). Statistical analysis of data was performed using t test, χ²-test and Spearman’s correlation. Among the male population, smokers had significantly lower sperm concentration and motility than non-smokers. Sperm normal morphology was reduced in smokers, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. No significant correlation was found between sperm parameters and the intensity of smoking. In the female population, AFC was reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers. Women who smoked had significantly higher FSH levels. No significant difference was found in LH and estradiol levels according to smoking status. The number of pack-years was negatively correlated to AFC and positively correlated to FSH levels. Cigarette smoking is associated with damaging effects on sperm parameters in infertile men and with ovarian reserve alteration in infertile women, as reflected by reduced AFC and increased FSH levels. Every smoker should be encouraged to stop smoking to prevent the damage of the toxins contained in cigarette smoking and preserve their own reproductive potential.

ObjectiveFew data are available regarding the need of steroid substitutive therapy after unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal incidentaloma (AI). It is unknown whether, before surgery, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis secretion parameters can predict post-surgical hypocortisolism.AimThis study aimed to evaluate whether, in AI patients undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy, post-surgical hypocortisolism could be predicted by the parameters of HPA axis function.DesignProspective, multicenter.MethodsA total of 60 patients underwent surgical removal of AI (surgical indication: 29 subclinical hypercortisolism (SH); 31 AI dimension). Before surgery, SH was diagnosed in patients presenting at least three criteria out of urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels>60 μg/24 h, cortisol after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST)>3.0 μg/dl, ACTH levels5.4 μg/dl.Two months after surgery, HPA axis function was assessed by low dose ACTH stimulation test or insulin tolerance test when needed: 39 patients were affected (Group B) and 21 were not affected (Group A) with hypocortisolism. The accuracy in predicting hypocortisolism of pre-surgical HPA axis parameters or their combinations was evaluated.ResultsThe presence of >2 alterations among 1 mg-DST>5.0 μg/dl, ACTHP=0.001). Post-surgical hypocortisolism was predicted with 100% probability by elevated UFC plus MSC levels, but not ruled out even in the presence of the normality of all HPA axis parameters.ConclusionPost-surgical hypocortisolism cannot be pre-surgically ruled out. A steroid substitutive therapy is indicated after unilateral adrenalectomy for SH or size of the adenoma.

con A.D'Ambrosio

Optimizing Workover plan and completion procedure for the Karachaganak reservoir brought superior results and created development opportunities for the reservoir. The new approach is based on rigless investigation, data integration and innovative methods to overcome different well problems. Karachaganak field is a giant gas condensate field located in the north west of Kazakhstan. The structure is sealed with a salt layer that varies in thickness across the field. Salt that are not fully protected could creep causing casing collapse especially if subjected to negative differentials. Initial well design applied on the 240 exiting wells imposed limitations on workovers. Additional field challenges are; severely corroded and potentially stuck completion strings, poorly cemented casing, and scale deposition. The new approach has been developed over more than four years of operations. Successfully, workover time has been reduced by more than 25%, saving about $850,000 per workover. Well risk identified and failure risk is minimized. Well abandonment recognition, planning and cost have been optimized.

Background: Despite the popularity of splenectomy has decreased dramatically in the past few years, the surgical approach remains the best therapy for patients with refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) in terms of high and durable rate of response (Vesely et al, Ann Intern Med2004; 140: 112). The recent introduction of anti-CD20 antibodies and thrombopoietins of second generation such as AMG 531 and Eltrombopag may have a relevant role (Kuter et al, Lancet2008; 371: 362) but their long-term safety and efficacy have not been still established. In parallel with new drugs, there has been an evolution in the surgery of splenectomy as well (Dolan et al, Am J Hematol2008; 83: 93). Actually, the laparoscopic surgery is considered the standard approach and the ITP represents the most common indication in 50–80% of all the laparoscopic splenectomies. Methods: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term complete and partial haematological response (CR + PR), as well as the short and long-term complications, of 40 patients (30 females and 10 males; median age: 38 years - range 6–71) with unresponsive ITP after one or more medical approaches and underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at our Institution from 1999 through 2006. The 40 patients accounted for 22.2% of 181 patients diagnosed in those years. An abdominal CT scan to evaluate the presence of accessory spleens was performed in all cases. All patients received meningococcal, pneumococcal and haemophilus influenzae vaccine one week before splenectomy. For 4 or 5 days before splenectomy the patients were treated with high doses of intravenous Immunoglobulins. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxis was performed with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for 10 days and afterwards with cardioaspirin (ASA) if the platelet count exceeded 500x10E9/L. Results: No cases required conversion to laparotomic splenectomy. An accessory spleen was found in 2 patients (5%). Immediate haematological response rate was of 100%. At date, after a median follow-up of 78 months (range 28–112 months), 36 patients (90%) remain in CR or PR with a platelet count more than 50x10E9/L and 2 patients are taking ASA. Four patients (10%) relapsed; out of which, 2 patients have a platelet count less than 10x10E9/L. Short and long-term mortality rate was 0%. Immediate postoperative complications rate was 5%: we observed 2 cases of hemoperitoneum related to a trocar’s tube and to an active bleeding, respectively, both resolved with new laparoscopic approach. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4,5 days (range 4–8). Neither cases of bacterial sepsis in the postoperative or during the follow-up time, nor cases of splenic-portal vein thrombosis (SPVT) and no cases of neoplasms occurred. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that laparoscopic splenectomy is an excellent approach to patients with refractory ITP in terms of safety, efficacy and costs. With respect to laparotomic splenectomy, the use of laparoscopy is likely to make the splenectomy even safer and therefore suitable for a larger number of patients. Undoubtedly there is a great expectation for the new drugs (Rodeghiero et al, Am J Hematol2008; 83: 91) and we agree that only controlled comparative clinical trials (Vianelli et al, Haematologica2005; 90: 72) will be able or not to say a final word and to challenge the role of splenectomy.